I’m extremely fortunate to be photographing a National Geographic Expedition and will be posting photos from each breathtaking moment. Photography is my absolute passion in this little life of mine. The simple act of picking up my camera allows me to capture the essence of creativity and beauty in the world as only I see it happening. There is nothing I love more than photography…unless I am photographing horses. Adding cowboys to the shoot is the cherry on top.

National Geographic is a publication I’ve always greatly admired. To be shooting on an expedition of theirs completes a piece of me, yet fuels a hunger for more. I am incredibly excited to be a part of this phenomenal experience and looking forward to future shoots with National Geographic.

Having been raised on a farm, I grew up respecting the environment and animals. I appreciate that I am a guest in their home. On my morning walk, I did my best to remember to be courteous and quiet while enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds that come with this beautiful country in Wyoming. When I happened upon a not only an adult moose, but also her calf, I was overjoyed as is clearly conveyed in the blurry photo I snapped when I first saw them. When it comes to moose, it is difficult for me to hold my camera still. 🙂

Good Morning, Mama Moose!

The noise a moose calf makes is an overload of adorable.

Always make time for moose kisses!

“Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it.” – Henry David Thoreau

Sunrise Moose. I’d say it is the best kind, but I would take a moose and mountain view any time of the day. The ever elusive moose has always intrigued me and I was stunned to be this close to a wild moose. I’m an excitable person by nature, but not much has made my heart go pitter pat as did this moose on our shared mountain top this morning.

I’d gotten up early to photograph the sunrise and was happily engaged in the gorgeous, early morning colors.

Deeply engrossed in the emerging flavors of light, I heard a noise and looked to the right. This was my view:

The moose did not seem as excited to see me.

However serious looking, I feel that this moose was quite capable of telling jokes like this one:

A man happened upon a moose in a field and asked what the moose was doing.

The moose replied that he was hoping to win a Nobel Prize.

The man questioned the moose as to how he expected to accomplish that to which the moose replied, “I hear they give the Nobel Prize to those that are outstanding in their field.”

My new moose friend casually wondered off in search of more Aspen leaves.

Best. Breakfast. Ever.

What’s better than one moose munching on Aspen leaves in the mountains of Wyoming?

A second moose, of course.

Overheard in the woods earlier today, “Do you like long walks on the beach? I will treat you to a nice dinner of aspen leaves.”

“The grand lift of the Tetons is more than a mechanistic fold and faulting of the earth’s crust; it becomes a primal gesture of the earth beneath the sky.” – Ansel Adams

I have been extremely fortunate to travel extensively in my life. I’ve seen some phenomenal places and had some exquisite experiences. Each place holds a piece of my heart for a different and wonderful moment in time, but Jackson holds the biggest piece and is the reason I choose to return.

Jackson will always be one of my favorite places and I would love to spend more time in this majestic place. I feel at home here among the Tetons, Moose, and Elk.

Jackson Hole is a work of art in itself. One to be appreciated and cherished.

“There was no idling-time for a pony-rider on duty. He rode fifty miles without stopping, by daylight, moonlight, starlight, or through the blackness of darkness–just as it happened. He rode a splendid horse that was born for racer and fed and lodged like a gentleman; kept him at his utmost speed for ten miles, and then, as he came crashing up to the station where stood two men holding a fresh, impatient steed, the transfer of rider and mail-bag was made in the twinkling of an eye, and away flew the eager pair and were out of sight before the spectator could get hardly the ghost of a look.” -Mark Twain

Cruising West on I-80 I saw a little sign brown sign marking an upcoming historical landmark. I always love these on any road trip and try to stop often, but this one in particular caught my attention. It advertised the home of Robert Henri. I’d just seen several of his gorgeous works at the Museum of Nebraska Art, but the chance to see his home and where he painted seemed like a worthy adventure. I quickly exited and began the search for his house.

When I pulled up just outside Robert Henri’s home, I realized I’d just missed their business hours. It didn’t matter to me. I got out and snapped a few photos, admiring the home and trying to visualize Robert working there, years ago.

A man standing on the sidewalk saw me and asked if he could help me. I explained why I was there and that I’d hoped to see inside the home, but it was good enough to just be there and snap a few photographic memories. I mentioned that I’d made art my life. I’d graduated from Sotheby’s with a Master’s in Art Business and I was now a professional photographer. My Mother and Grandparent’s have collected art their whole lives and I make it my mission to bring back at least one piece, no matter how expensive…just meaningful to me…from each trip I take in my life.

This strange man simply smiled at me, wiped some of the paint coated on his hand onto his shirt, reached out his hand and introduced himself as the contractor for the updates to Robert Henri’s home. He then casually mentioned that he was a board member of the museum and would I like a private tour even though they were closed?

It always pays to take a chance. 🙂

So he grabbed his keys and walked me through Robert Henri’s home. I was able to see where he lived, worked, and envisioned his works of art. They even had many of his personal sketches and of course some of his beautiful art. There are definitely some great people in this world. I’m so glad I found one so early on in my trip.

“The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.” – Robert Henri

While heading West on this 2014 road trip, I made sure to visit the Museum of Nebraska Art and was not disappointed. Surrounded by beautiful works created by Albert Bierstadt, Robert Henri, and Thomas Moran, I took a moment to remember what I’ve learned about art in my life and to appreciate the Nebraskan landscape.

Art simplifies life for me. It allows me always a moment of calm to recenter.